OpenAI is rolling out Locked Chats, a feature that lets ChatGPT users add an extra access barrier to selected conversations. Chats can be protected with a four-digit PIN or, on supported devices, Face ID or Touch ID.
After a chat is locked, it moves to a separate section and no longer appears in regular chat history, pinned conversations or search results. Users can return to it later. When Memory is enabled, information from locked conversations stays within a separate memory for that section rather than updating regular Memory.
What the lock does--and doesn't do
The feature is designed for users who want to limit access to personal conversations when someone else is using their device. However, locking a chat does not add end-to-end encryption, change how long OpenAI retains the conversation, or alter the "Improve the model for everyone" setting. It also does not remove information ChatGPT remembered before the chat was locked.
Resetting the PIN permanently deletes the locked chats and their associated files and content. The option is not available for temporary, archived or group chats, shared-link conversations, chats with scheduled tasks, or chats with meeting recordings.
OpenAI says the feature is rolling out across Free, Go, Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise and Edu plans, but is not available on ChatGPT for Healthcare. Availability may vary during the rollout.
As AI assistants become part of everyday personal routines, controls like this could help users manage who can access conversations--while making clear that access protection and data encryption are different safeguards.
